ITALIAN CASSEROLE

I come from a huge family, and it seems there is always an occasion for a potluck. I turn to this reliable recipe often.

—RITA GOSHAW SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WI



PREP: 40 MIN. • BAKE: 25 MIN. • MAKES: 16-20 SERVINGS


1/2 pounds bulk Italian sausage

1/2 pounds ground beef

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped green pepper

2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce

2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste

1/2 cup water

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

2 cans (8 3/4 ounces each) whole kernel corn, drained

2 cans (2 1/4 ounces each) sliced ripe olives, drained

1 package (16 ounces) wide noodles, cooked and drained

8 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into strips

1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook sausage, beef, onion and green pepper until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water and seasonings; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add corn and olives. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in noodles.

2. Pour into two greased 13x9-in. baking dishes. Top with cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.